James "Jim" Anderson passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on March 6, 2026. Born and raised in Tower, Minnesota, Jim moved with his family to West Virginia, Minnesota in 1951, before returning to Tower in 1957, which was his lifelong home.

He started his career as a delivery driver for Lamppa's Dairy, then joined Zup's grocery store in Tower, where he started as a meat cutter but handled all tasks before he ultimately became the store's manager.

Jim retired at age 62, after spending more than 40 years at Zup's and then turned his full attention to the things he loved the most. His greatest refuge was the "shack" on Long Lake, north of Orr, which he co-owned with Rodney Politano; a beautiful spot he called home away from home. Jim fished every way he could: open water, on the ice, fly rods in creeks and rivers. He chased trout from palm-sized brookies to trophy lake trout, and every October he'd brave a 20 mile boat ride across Lake Superior to fish Isle Royale—waves high, nerves steady, and certainly not for the faint of heart. 

In the 1960s, Jim snared one of Minnesota's biggest timberwolves on record, over 165 pounds. He'd always grin telling that story! Another favorite memory was helping Dorothy the Root Beer Lady,  along with Johnny B. Trucano, hauling supplies, chopping wood, and making ice. Hard and simple work with a big meaning.

On the basketball court, Jim was a standout. He started for Mountain Iron and Tower High Schools, then played college ball at Ely Junior College—quick, short, but fearless. Jim was very good. If you would have asked him, he would have proudly told you!

Outside, he hunted, trapped, snowmobiled; he was always happiest outdoors and often had a chainsaw in his hand cutting wood. However, the “shack” was where he belonged and where he was the happiest.  A true treasure of a spot where he sat on the deck, a Coors Light in hand, taking in the sights and sounds of nature, the night often capped off with a blistering hot sauna!

Jim has now dipped his paddle in the cool water for the last time. Now he’s just...gone fishing.

Jim is survived by his children: Michael (Patti) Anderson of Hisega, SD and Sherry Anderson of Tower, MN;  Sister:  Bonnie (Bob) Puglesa of Biwabik, MN; Grandchildren: Bradley Anderson of Prairie Grove AR, Gari Shae (Logan) Olszewski of Prairie Grove, AR, Hailey (Travis) Anderson of Duluth, MN, Rachel (Dawson) Horacek of Clarksville, TN, Whitney Anderson of Champlin, MN, and Madeline (Drew) Zupancich of Virginia, MN;  Great Grandchildren: Maci Olszewski, Reed Olszewski, and Parker Samuelson; and former wife Judi Anderson. 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Harry “Bud” and Madeline “Dolly” (Chiabotti) Anderson, sister Patricia Paciotti, and son Gary Anderson. 

The family gives thanks to special friends Mike Kline and Chas Lilya, who often stopped to see our dad and helped him in so many ways. He really appreciated them, as did we! 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at Bauman Vermilion Funeral Home in Tower.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 am with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 am, with lunch to follow at the Funeral Home.  Interment will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Tower after lunch. Bonnie Puglesa will preside over the service and the interment.

Family services provided by Bauman-Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower, MN.  To leave a remembrance online, see www.baumanfuneralhome.com.